Others, meanwhile, will use their scouting systems to snap up youth on the cheap, develop them, and then sell them on for a big profit later on. We’re looking at you, Chelsea, though there’s some hope that this stockpiling approach could be coming to an end under Antonio Conte.

So which stars of tomorrow will be catching the eyes of the top sides in the Premier League this January? Here’s a look at ten who have been linked with moves…

Moussa Dembele

Moussa Dembele looks an exciting talent (Picture: Getty)

Who is he?

A superb young French striker currently tearing it up at Celtic. Having joined from Fulham in the summer, Moussa Dembele has quickly announced himself on the bigger stage and looks a serious prospect.

What’s his situation?

New to his club so perhaps unlikely to move, but attracting increasing interest from big clubs such as Manchester United and Chelsea.

Riechedly Bazoer

Riechedly Bazoer has been tipped to leave Ajax this January (Picture: Getty)

Who is he?

A 20-year-old all-action midfielder playing for Ajax. Riechedly Bazoer made his debut aged just 17 and is already a full Netherlands international.

What’s his situation?

He apparently wants out of Ajax this January after becoming unhappy with recently being dropped to the bench. Not a great attitude perhaps but it seems inevitable that it’s time for him to move on to a bigger club, with AC Milan and others said to have already made offers.

What would he cost?

Reports earlier this year saw him linked with Premier League clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham for around £20million.

Where would he fit in?

Chelsea apparently want another midfielder this winter, and Bazoer could be the kind of energetic box-to-box star Antonio Conte would ideally like to replace Cesc Fabregas.

Chances of moving

Seems fairly clear cut from recent quotes by his agent that he’s heading out this January. 8/10.

Jose Gimenez

Jose Gimenez has admirers in England (Picture: Getty)

Who is he?

A 21-year-old defender who has long been talked about as one of the best young players in the world in his position. Already a fixture for Atletico Madrid, which is no mean feat.

What’s his situation?

Wanted by the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United, Jose Gimenez is undoubtedly attracting interest as his contract is set to expire at the end of next season.

What would he cost?

The Uruguay international has a release clause of £56million and it wouldn’t be surprising if Atletico do their best to make clubs pay that full amount.

Atletico will fight hard to keep him and clubs might resist paying that kind of release clause given his contract situation. Not too likely this January. 2/10.

Ben Chilwell

Ben Chilwell has caught the eye of top clubs (Picture: Getty)

Who is he?

A 19-year-old Leicester City left-back about whom there’s been a lot of buzz.

What’s his situation?

Despite that buzz, he’s not really a first-team regular for the Foxes due to the presence of Christian Fuchs and continues to attract interest from bigger sides.

What would he cost?

Was linked with a summer move for most of the transfer window, with fees of between £10-15million being branded about.

Where would he fit in?

Liverpool seem to be his biggest admirers, which is not too much of a surprise for a club who’ve played James Milner at left-back all season long.

Chances of moving

Persuaded to stay at Leicester this season, his continued lack of playing time could increase his chances of a move this January. 5/10.

Reece Oxford

Reece Oxford is regarded as a bright hope for English football (Picture: Getty)

Who is he?

A 17-year-old prodigy who had a brilliant Premier League debut away to Arsenal last season but hasn’t really been seen since.

What’s his situation?

Reportedly unsettled at West Ham, Reece Oxford is not getting the game time he perhaps merits and could understandably be tempted to continue his development elsewhere.

What would he cost?

Given his reputation, West Ham could possibly ask for as much as £20million for the defender despite his lack of experience at the top level.

Where would he fit in?

Manchester United, City and Liverpool have been linked as Oxford’s main admirers, and it seems believable that, in good time, he could be a star for any of them, though his next move is an important one and none of those could guarantee immediate first-team football.

Chances of moving

Seems a little uncertain at the moment, but the stories keep coming and West Ham don’t seem to be doing much to keep him happy. 4/10.

Geoffrey Kondogbia

Geoffrey Kondogbia has been the subject of transfer speculation (Picture: Getty)

Who is he?

A commanding French midfielder playing for Inter Milan and long tipped for a future at an elite club.

What’s his situation?

Under contract at the San Siro until 2020 but not playing regularly enough for his liking, which has apparently sparked interest from Chelsea.

What would he cost?

Having already moved from Monaco to Inter for £25million, Kondogbia would likely be an expensive purchase at perhaps £30-35million.

Where would he fit in?

With Chelsea keen to get rid of Cesc Fabregas for someone with more energy and defensive qualities, Kondogbia would be absolutely ideal. Manchester United could probably also do with him as an upgrade on the likes of Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini.

Chances of moving

A target that makes a lot of sense for Chelsea, and a player good enough to demand a move if he’s not happy. 5/10.

Presnel Kimpembe

Presnel Kimpembe has enjoyed a meteoric rise this season (Picture: Getty)

Who is he?

The new kid on the block at Paris Saint-Germain this season, Presnel Kimpembe is a hugely talented 21-year-old defender making the most of a surprise first-team breakthrough.

What’s his situation?

The youngster has just signed a new contract with PSG with a huge pay rise, so a move looks unlikely despite growing interest.

What would he cost?

Probably already between £15-20million already.

Where would he fit in?

Chelsea have been linked with him in recent months, and he’d definitely be a good buy as the Blues continue their hunt for signings at the back.

Chances of moving

Unless a mammoth offer comes in this January, very unlikely after his recent contract renewal. 1/10.

Felipe Anderson

Felipe Anderson could still make his way to the Premier League (Picture: Getty)

Who is he?

A 23-year-old Brazilian winger plying his trade for Lazio and constantly finding himself linked with a move to the Premier League.

What’s his situation?

Playing regularly enough and doing well, and on a contract with Lazio until 2020.

What would he cost?

Regularly talked about as a £30million player, which seems about right in today’s market.

Where would he fit in?

Manchester United could do with a little more inspiration in attack, and they’ve been one of the clubs most strongly linked with Anderson down the years. Chelsea also admirers, but probably less in need of him now.

Chances of moving

Hard to tell, given that he’s so often being linked with a move. Interest in him is likely to continue, but he’s probably not done anything special enough to earn that big move this January. 2/10.

Niklas Sule

Niklas Sule is the next big thing coming through in Germany (Picture: Getty)

Who is he?

A 21-year-old centre-back who has impressed for Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim since making his debut in 2013. Already a full Germany international.

What’s his situation?

Under contract until 2019 and developing well at Hoffenheim, though big clubs are showing an increased interest.

What would he cost?

At least £20million, which could end up being pretty good value for a player of his potential.

Where would he fit in?

Chelsea and Liverpool have most recently been linked with Sule, which makes a lot of sense given their current defensive options and need to inject some youth into that department.

Chances of moving

With growing attention being paid to him, it would not be too surprising to see big clubs step up their interest this January. 5/10.

Maxime Lopez

Maxime Lopez has been compared to Samir Nasri (Picture: Getty)

Who is he?

An 18-year-old Marseille winger who has drawn comparisons with Samir Nasri, though we assume that’s meant to be a compliment.

What’s his situation?

On the fringes of Marseille’s first-team, but one who should get his chance to play regularly before too long. Arsenal, however, are apparently after him already.

What would he cost?

Not a lot, as his contract is up at the end of this season and he’s yet to truly establish himself as a senior player. Still, clubs are likely to wait to snap him up on a free instead of paying up for an unproven talent so soon.

Where would he fit in?

Seems like a fairly typical Arsenal signing, though very much one for the future. Crystal Palace have also been mentioned as admirers, and may be able to offer him more immediate first-team football.

Chances of moving

Fairly unlikely for January, unless one of the aforementioned clubs really decide they can’t wait to get him. 2/10.